Whether the nominee is currently/formerly a teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, military personnel or a volunteer, the Barons are looking for those who have made a difference in the Birmingham community and want to recognize those unsung heroes.

“The Barons are a community-driven business, and we believe this is a great way to give back to a community that has shown us so much support for so many years,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “We want to be able to give those individuals the attention and recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication to the Birmingham area, and who better to ask for suggestions than those whose lives they have impacted most; their neighbors.”

If chosen, one person shall be recognized on-field each night July 28 – August 1 as the Barons host the Mississippi Braves at Regions Field. Nomination forms are due Sunday, May 31 at midnight.

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile BayBears at 7:05 p.m. To order tickets, visit Barons.com or call (205) 988-3200. For more information, visit us at www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Birmingham Barons. Click here to view the original story.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the World Champion San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce they are currently accepting nominations for their inaugural Military Card Set Giveaway on May 26th presented by Verizon. The trading card set will be comprised solely of current or former members of the military that have been nominated by fans. Nominations will be accepted through April 10th online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com or at any Verizon Wireless Store in Central Virginia. Military card sets will be distributed to the first 2,000 fans on May 26th at The Diamond. Gates open on May 26th at 5:30PM and a pre-game ceremony to honor all Military members will take place before the first pitch against Harrisburg. SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS HERE

“We have always had strong a place in our heart for our Military personnel and all they do to protect our freedom and allow us to do what we do for and in our community,” Said Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “We could not be more pleased to highlight these heroes in this commemorative and limited edition card set.

Any questions regarding the Military Card Set Giveaway can be directed to erin.mcdonald@squirrelsbaseball.com. The Flying Squirrels 2015 season begins on Thursday, April 9th. Single-Game tickets are currently on sale at The Diamond, over the phone and online. Opening Night April 9th will feature the Squirrels first eve dueling fireworks and dueling piano show. For a full list of the 2015 season promotions, visit www.squirrrelsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

As part of the night, the first 1,000 fans will receive a 20-card set featuring local Military Heroes courtesy of MasonicTemple Assocation of Williamsport, & Webb Weekly.

“We had such a great response to this last year, that it just made sense to do it again in 2015 and honor more of our local heroes,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Fans are asked to nominate local Military Heroes for possible inclusion in the card set. Nominees can be an active or retired member of any branch of the service.

Nomination forms will be printed in Webb Weekly on March 18 and 25 as well the April 1 and 8 editions. Forms can also be downloaded by visiting crosscutters.com or picked up at the Crosscutters offices at Susquehanna Bank Park.

Those who are included in the card set will be invited to the July 3 game, honored on the field and presented with their own 8″x10″ copy of their card. Those who are deceased will be represented by their family.

The deadline for nominations is April 24. All nomination forms must be accompanied by a photo. Electronic photos are preferred but not required. All photographs will be returned.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

Local business leader and World War II Veteran Gus Kraras will be celebrated on Opening Night as part of the Ceremonial Flag Service.

Celebration of local business leader and World War II veteran kicks off 2015 Ceremonial Flag Service

Local business leader and World War II veteran Gust “Gus” Kraras will be honored April 17th on Fightins Opening Night as part of the Savage61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Ceremonial Flag Service Honoree. Kraras’ celebration on Opening Night kicks off the Ceremonial Flag Service for the 2015 season.

In 1950, FirstEnergy Stadium was built as a memorial to the veterans of our community. To bring even more attention to this, a ceremonial flag flies in front of America’s Classic Ballpark at each home game to honor one specific veteran. For the 2015 season, living World War II veterans, in addition do any veterans that have passed, may be honored with the Ceremonial Flag Service. The addition of living World War II honorees is new for 2015 , and on Opening Night, Gus Kraras will become the first of what the Fightins hope will be many World War II veterans to be honored at the ballpark this season.

“The ceremonial flag honoring a veteran became an important, and emotional part of the Fightins game presentation in 2014”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “In 2015, we really want to engage the families of World War II veterans, and honor these brave men and women. When discussing what World War II veteran should be the first to be honored on Opening Night, we immediately thought of Gust Kraras. He’s a great man. His dedication and contributions to our country and our community are incredible. Plus, he actually sold hot dogs here at the ballpark when it first opened in 1951! We are so excited to honor Gust Kraras on Opening Night, and we invite all the families of World War II Veterans to please contact us so we can honor your loved one as well.”

Born in 1921, Kraras immigrated to the United States in 1938 from Greece when he was just 17 years old. He was living in Nashville during the Pearl Harbor attacks, and a day later, he decided to volunteer into the United States, but wasn’t able to since he wasn’t yet a citizen. He overcame this issue by requesting his draft board to advance his draft number and shortly thereafter, was in the Army and assigned to the Field Artillery.

In 1943, Kraras asked to be transferred to the newly-formed Greek Battalion at Camp Carson, Colorado. Nearly 300 volunteered to be sent on a special mission to occupied Greece and from that, only 173 men and 10 officers were sent. That group was part of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which later evolved into what we now know as the CIA.

Following their extensive training, Kraras and the rest of the Greek Battalion was sent to Cairo, Egypt. On their second day, his group was picked as one of the two that received paratrooper training. Because of Army regulations at the time, Kraras and his party had to volunteer to become paratroopers. The next day, the selected troops went to the then-Palestine to attend British Paratrooper School. In the U.S. Army Paratrooper Schools, training typically lasted 90 days. Kraras training at the British Paratrooper School lasted just three days and five jumps.

Now in Greece, Kraras’ platoon’s missions were all very similar. They would be responsible for blocking highways and waiting for German convoys. Once they would find a convoy, they would dismantle the first and last truck using bazookas and then take on the convoy with everything they had. They would then take off up through the mountains and hide as Germans would attempt to find them-they never did.

Kraras was honorably discharged on November 15, 1945 and he took up residence in Reading where his brother John lived with his family. He went into business with his brother and later, opened up several restaurants in the Reading area and in Wildwood, New Jersey. The Kraras family went on to own and operate numerous restaurants and hotels in the seaside town for over five decades.

He met his wife Stella Dialectos upon returning from the war and married in 1946. They had three children: Chris Kraras, Angel Kraras Cammarano, and Patricia Kraras Donahue. Gus is still involved actively in his business ventures and church community in the Reading and Wildwood areas.

The World War II veterans will be honored, in addition to fallen veterans of all wars, nightly during a pre-game ceremony beside their family and friends. Before each home game, the Fightins raised a ceremonial flag to tribute to their memory and welcomed their family to the game. The flag will then lowered and given to the family following the game. During the ceremony, the Fightins will tell each veteran’s story and present the veteran with a Ceremonial Flag as a token of appreciation for all that they have done in protection of the United States of America.

Reservations for the Savage61 Ceremonial Flag Service are now being taken for the 2015 season. Those interested can call 610-370-BALL ext. 293 to reserve a date. Anyone interested in paying tribute or honor to a veteran is asked to call that number with their preference of a game date. Available game dates are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Fightins will kick off the 65th season of baseball at America’s Classic Ballpark on Friday, April 17th when they host the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the 2014 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the 2015 season can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the FirstEnergy Stadium Ticket Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils . Click here to view the original story.

Nominate a military member or veteran to be honored before a Naturals game in 2015

Walmart and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to partner again on our Military Appreciation program, which was created to honor the men and women that have served in the United States Military. The men and women selected will receive public recognition during select Naturals home games in 2015.

The Military Appreciation program will take place at all twelve (12) Sunday home games this year. For those interested in nominating a military member or veteran for a game, you can visit our website www.nwanaturals.com to find more information about the Military Appreciation Program under the Community tab. Fill out the nomination form completely and then either fax it or email it to the Naturals at the contact information listed on the form. You may also drop it off at our Administrative Office located at Arvest Ballpark between 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Nominees that are selected will receive on-field or videoboard, recognition during a special pre-game ceremony at a Sunday Naturals game, four (4) complimentary Super Premium tickets, and a special certificate of recognition.

“The Naturals are proud to team up with Walmart for our 2nd season of this program to help honor those that serve to protect the freedoms of our great nation,” said Naturals General Manager Justin Cole. “Through this program, we were able to honor numerous individuals last season, and even were able to reunite a military serviceman with his family at one of our games, creating a moment none of us will ever forget.”

On Memorial Day 2013, Walmart demonstrated its continuing support of veterans with the launch of its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment. Walmart promised to offer a job to any honorably discharged U.S. veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty. Walmart projected it would hire more than 100,000 veterans over five years and it’s well ahead of that, having hired 77,000 veterans within the first 18 months of the commitment. Veterans interested in learning more can visit www.WalmartCareersWithAMission.com.

A military identification card, when shown at the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office, is also valid for a $1 discount on tickets at all Naturals home games, no matter the day of week.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals . Click here to view the original story.

New for 2015, the Legends are inviting nominations for the Cintas Hometown Heroes program. Nominations may be made by completing a form that is available online at www.lexingtonlegends.com under “Community.”

At 35 Legends home games in 2015, hometown heroes selected from the nominations will be provided four game tickets and will be recognized on the field during the game. Veterans and retired military personnel, as well as those on active duty, may be nominated.

“We are excited to introduce this new program,” said Legends’ corporate account executive Anne Brenner, who has been involved with the development of the program. “We know how much our fans have enjoyed our annual Military Appreciation Night, and that will continue. The Cintas Hometown Heroes program will provide an opportunity to bring even more recognition to our veterans and active military throughout the season.”

For more information on the Cintas Hometown Heroes program, contact Sarah Bosso, Legends director of business development, at 859 422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

The Louisville Bats will wear special digital camouflage jerseys at all Sunday home games in 2015 to benefit the Kentucky-Indiana Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Koetter Construction will provide the jerseys, which will be auctioned following the conclusion of the season with 100 percent of the funds being donated to the local PVA chapter. The jerseys will be introduced at the team’s noon press conference Wednesday at Louisville Slugger Field.

A nonprofit organization, many of PVA’s volunteers are dedicated veterans who have taken up the cause to not only fight on the battlefield together, but on the battlefield at home. The mission of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter is to improve the quality of life of U.S. Military Veterans and others with spinal cord dysfunction through the use of advocacy, research, sports and recreation, education and communication.

“The partnership with the Louisville Bats and Koetter Construction will give us the exposure we so desperately need,” said Kevin Sparks, president of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter. “Our hope is when fans see a camouflage uniform at a Bats game or anywhere else, or a sign for Koetter Construction, that they immediately think of our paralyzed veterans here in the Louisville and Kentuckiana area.”

“Koetter Construction is very proud to partner with the Bats and sponsor the Sunday military camouflage jerseys as a fundraiser to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Bob Koetter, Jr., president of the Floyds Knobs-based company. “We have been a past supporter of the PVA because we like to show our appreciation of our veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”

“I would hope that these camouflage jerseys will remind people to thank a veteran, especially those who have come back missing limbs or being paralyzed from an accident while fighting for our freedom,” Koetter added. “I also hope people will support the PVA financially by participating in the auction at the end of the season.”

The PVA works continuously to raise awareness of the issues that paralyzed veterans face every day. There are a variety of ways to help. Visit www.kipva.org to become a volunteer, donor, sponsor or learn about supporting the group at its events.

The 2015 season is almost upon us and we are excited for what it will hold. The Midland RockHounds will host Military Appreciation Weekend sponsored by ProPetro Services on May 14th-18th. Throughout that weekend, the RockHounds players will be wearing specialty jerseys that will show the names of fallen heroes from around our community. These jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to a local charity, which will be determined at a later date.

We would like for our fans to submit names of family members or friends that have died honorably protecting our country, so that we can honor them by placing their names on the jerseys. Names will appear on the jerseys in the locations where “SOLDIER” is located on the above jersey artwork.

Please send all names and information to Courtnie Golden at cgolden@midlandrockhounds.org, no later than February 28, 2015 (limited to the first 50 names submitted). If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 432-520-2255.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Midland RockHounds. Click here to view the original story.

The Lexington Legends today announced donations for 2014 totaling $715,645 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, has presented checks to organization representatives throughout the month of November.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of the Legends.

In its 14-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $13 million to the region.

“There’s nothing more important to our organization than giving back to our community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Each season, the Legends look forward to working with all of these amazing organizations and to developing new partnerships as well.”

“The Legends will always be active in the community,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to support these great organizations.”

Among organizations receiving funds in 2014 were:

–Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: The Legends supported the Boy Scouts through their participation in the “Brave the Blue III” campaign, in which donations were raised by those who rappelled down the 30-story Financial Center building in downtown Lexington. The Legends’ Big L has been among the rappellers in all three years of the campaign.

-Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held a Breast Cancer Awareness Night July 12. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the game, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Pink Connection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities.

–Military Missions: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night June 14 included an auction of camouflage jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages.

–P.A.W.S. and the Lexington Humane Society: The Legends held five “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2014 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) and the Lexington Humane Society.

-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Fund: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. About $4,000 was raised from the 2014 auction.

–United Way of the Bluegrass: The Legends and United Way are longtime partners on ticket donations to United Way donors, as listed below.

–Vs. Cancer: Legends President/COO Andy Shea and catcher Chad Johnson had their heads shaved following the Legends game August 15 as part of a Vs. Cancer fund-raiser and sign of solidarity with young cancer patients.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game.

In the 2014 season, more than 84,000 box seat tickets were donated to various organizations and camps through the Legends’ partnership with United Way, along with Hit the Books, a Legends’ campaign to encourage Central Kentucky students to read. More than 300 donations were made through the Legends online donation request system at lexingtonlegends.com under the “Community” tab.

In addition, the Legends made more than 200 public appearances in 2014 with their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations.

Aramark, the Legends’ concession partner, made significant donations to school booster clubs, primarily for work done at concession stands during games.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

Caravan to visit McAuliffe School, Bedford VA

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will be getting a hand from a few famous faces and the students from McAuliffe Elementary School in Lowell as we spread holiday cheer to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford Thursday, December 18.

The McAuliffe School was selected amongst a number of submissions through both Facebook and mailed submissions, on the basis of their dedication to helping the local community and support of their writing initiative.

The Spinners front office staff will be joined by a number of familiar faces, including the World Famous Dog Man, beloved Spinners’ mascot Canaligator, the LeLacheur Park Minions, Stuart and Dave, members of the Lowell Police Department and more guests to be announced.

“We are so grateful to the staff and students at the McAuliffe School for their support in saluting our heroes,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “In addition, to have these special guests take time out of their schedule to interact with the students and visit with the veterans makes this a truly special event.”

The caravan will be joined this year by a pair of lovely ladies, as Queen Elsa of Frozen fame, will be joining the caravan for the visit to McAuliffe School, while Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn will be joining up at the veteran’s hospital.

The group will join the students in making holiday cards to be delivered later that morning to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford.

“Seeing the joy that something as simple as the student’s cards can bring is emotional,” said Bawmann. “The holidays are about sharing cheer and joy and we are thrilled to be able to bring just a little bit of that to our heroes.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lowell Spinners. Click here to view the original story.

The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce a new partnership with Sam’s Club of Hickory, which will provide free tickets to all active and retired military personnel throughout the 2015 season as a part of the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal.

The Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal will allow any active or retired member of the armed forces or their spouses to receive two complimentary tickets to any of the Crawdads 70 home games with a valid military ID. As one of the few teams in Minor League Baseball to offer free military tickets throughout the season, the Crawdads gave away more than 3,000 complimentary tickets to members of the armed forces in 2014.

“At Sam’s Club, we greatly appreciate the men and women of the armed forces who have served and continue serve our country,” said Sam’s Club of Hickory’s Club Manager Tim Hasson. “They have dedicated their lives to our country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. We are proud to partner with the Hickory Crawdads to honor all military personnel. In addition, Sam’s Club always offers a $15 gift card for all new and renewing Sam’s Club active duty and veteran members. I want to thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices that you make.”

Sam’s Club Military Tickets can be redeemed in person at the L.P. Frans Stadium box office up to a week in advance of any Crawdads home game.

For more information regarding the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal, call the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads. Click here to view the original story.

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

The San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Team Seeks Community Input to Recognize NEPA’s Most Helpful & Courageous

There are many pieces to the puzzle that make up why NEPA is such a great place to live, work and play. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) believe that the people of NEPA stand at the top of that pyramid. The team would like to invite our neighbors to submit nominations for the newly-minted Banners of Honor program that will salute those that have exemplified excellence in public service. Those with service time in the military, police force, fire department, emergency medical service, volunteer activities or other related fields are eligible.

Entries can be sent by e-mail to info@swbrailriders.com or to the RailRiders front office at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507 with special attention to “Banners of Honor”. Each submission should include a summary and photo of the person being nominated. Selections will be made by Jan. 30, 2015. The selected winners will be honored with banners inside of PNC Field throughout the 2015 season.

“We believe that some of the most helpful and respected people to enter our stadium have never played on the field, but are the men and women of our community,” said Rachel Mark, the RailRiders’ community relations director.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Fightins’ Ceremonial Flag Service to now include WWII vets

Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker made the announcement regarding the Ceremonial Flag Service now honoring World War II veterans at the Veterans Day Ceremony.

Starting with the 2015 season, the Reading Fightins, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will now be honoring living World War II veterans at each home game during the Savage61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Ceremonial Flag Service, the club announced at the Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony on Tuesday.

The World War II veterans will be honored, in addition to fallen veterans of all wars, nightly during a pre-game ceremony beside their family and friends. During the ceremony, the Fightins will tell each veteran’s story and present the veteran with a Ceremonial Flag as a token of appreciation for all that they have done in protection of the United States of America.

“When we announced the Ceremonial Flag Service last season, we had no idea how well our fans and the community would receive the nightly program and because of this, we wanted to allow living veterans of World War II to be celebrated alongside their families during the 2015 season,” said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “This is the least we could do to give them proper respect and admiration for risking their lives in the line of battle. We thank Tim Profit and Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for stepping up and underwriting this important program as well as all of our military programs.”

Last season, the Fightins honored fallen veterans of all wars during a pre-game ceremony by flying a Ceremonial Flag near the giant dog tags at the main entrance to honor a specific veteran each home game. Before each home game, the Fightins raised a ceremonial flag to tribute to their memory and welcomed their family to the game. The flag was then lowered and given to the family following the game.

Reservations for the Savage61 Ceremonial Flag Service will be taken for the 2015 season. Those interested can call 610-370-BALL ext. 293 to reserve a date. Anyone interested in paying tribute or honor to a veteran is asked to call that number with their preference of a game date. Available game dates are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Over the years, the Fightins have continued to discover new ways to honor Berks County’s veterans. Originally named Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and named in honor of the servicemen and women who risked their lives in defense of their country. 48 years later in 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of FirstEnergy Stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area’s veterans.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

The Connecticut Tigers are proud to honor our military heroes once again this Veterans Day by offering a special “thank you” offer.

For the second straight year, any current or former military member who comes to the Dodd Stadium box office on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 between 9 am and 5 pm will receive two complimentary ticket vouchers redeemable for a premium box seat to any 2015 regular season Connecticut Tigers game. The offer is only valid in person at the Dodd Stadium box office and some form of military identification must be shown.

“We feel strongly as an organization that those that have served or are currently serving our country should be recognized and honored. That’s why we have a military discount on tickets for each and every one of our games and have a night dedicated to honoring these heroes each season,” said CT Tigers Vice President and General Manager Eric Knighton. “A pair of free tickets is just another small way that we can express our gratitude for all of the sacrifices they’ve made for us all.”

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play a 76 game schedule that runs from mid June through early September. 2015 season tickets, and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and box office is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Connecticut Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Operation: Care and Comfort will again sponsor giveaway based on fan submissions

Today the San Jose Giants announced and opened nominations for their second Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. The trading card set will again be made up entirely from fan nominations of current or former members of the military. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, December 19. All submissions must be accompanied by a photo of the nominee, in military uniform, sent to info@sjgiants.com. The sets will be given to the first 1,000 fans in attendance at the San Jose Giants Fourth Annual Salute to the Military Day on Saturday, April 18.

Last year’s 36 member set included honorees from every branch of the military as well as a number of notable honorees: local icon, turned national news story Joe Bell and courageous war hero Pat Tillman. Click here to submit your nomination for the 2015 Military Trading Card Set.

“The Military Trading Card Set was an extraordinary addition to our 2014 Salute to the Military Day. We are incredibly excited to again offer our fans and the community the chance to share their wonderful stories of the heroes among us,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “After receiving nearly 100 submissions last year, we hope that opening this year’s nomination process months in advance will allow even more people the opportunity to honor the brave men and women that serve our country.”

“Operation: Care and Comfort is proud to continue their partnership with the San Jose Giants and thrilled for our troops, veterans and their families to be honored through the second year of this set,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “The first Salute to the Military Trading Card Set was made up of a remarkable group of heroes. I hope that current military and veterans alike, throughout the Bay Area, will again be nominated and have the opportunity to be recognized.”

The San Jose Giants Fourth Annual Salute to the Military Day on April 18 will be part of the team’s 2015 opening homestand. The Giants will also host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 10), Memorial Day (May 25), Father’s Day (June 21) and Independence Day (July 4). For more information on the 2015 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com or call (408) 297-1435.

Includes 5 military-themed games

In honor of Veterans Day, the Sacramento River Cats are offering a special Veterans Day Ticket Package available only on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 at Raley Field.

The package will include five military-themed River Cats games during the 2015 season including: Salute to Armed Forces (May 9), a Memorial Day matinee (May 25), Independence Eve Celebration (July 3), a doubleheader with the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game (July 11), and a Labor Day matinee (September 7).

“The military presence around Sacramento including Beale and Travis Air Force Bases, the California National Guard units, and all the reservists, retired service members, and dependents shows the Sacramento region’s immense military presence” said River Cats General Manager, Chip Maxson. “We want to do our part to offer these exemplary citizens a unique and fun River Cats experience.”

Active, retired, and reserve military members can purchase this special package available only on November 10 and 11 at the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two seating options are available: Senate seats at $75, and Assembly seats at $50 for the 5-game package. Please be prepared to show a military ID upon purchase.

The River Cats will have a media area set up both days to interview local military personnel about their service history. Footage will be used throughout the season to honor our troops’ service at home and abroad.

For more information, please call the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or email tickets@rivercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Sacramento River Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Largest total donation number since becoming the Storm Chasers with $558,733 in the past year

Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.

The Omaha Storm Chasers finished the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, winning the Triple-A National Championship in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, but it was also a record-setting year for the Chasers community involvement. The charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities in the past year for the largest total since becoming the Storm Chasers.

“The first four years at Werner Park have been nothing but historic on the field, but what the Storm Chasers staff takes the most pride in is the impact we have in the community we call home,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “To set total donation records in back-to-back years is as great of a victory as back-to-back National Championships in my eyes.”

At Werner Park, the Storm Chasers showcased 78 non-profit groups throughout the 2014 season with the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night to provide the outlet for many worthwhile causes in the Omaha Metro. This included Game Worn Jersey Auctions, which raised $14,640 for three local charities, and a highlight of Werner Park involvement with fans and staff donating more than $3,000 and 630 items to Pilger Tornado Relief over two games in late June.

Staples of Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball, “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” and the “McDonald’s and Huber Automotive Hurl the Pearl” contest, had strong 2014 campaigns. The Heartland Hope Mission received 5,327 canned food donations ($37,289), the most since the move to Werner Park, while “Hurl the Pearl” accumulated $15,311 for the Ronald McDonald House marking a third straight year the team has raised more than $15,000 for the promotion.

The Storm Chasers players and mascots donated their time to the community with numerous player appearances at places such as Children’s/VA Hospitals. Stormy, Casey, Vortex and the three new mascots Kernel Cobb, Cappy and Sizzle made 335 mascot appearances throughout the year which was up by more than 100 appearances compared to the 2013 season.

The front office staff donated 870 hours throughout the year, including the Storm Chasers helping struggling families during last holiday season in “Drumstick On Wheels” and Chasers FUNdamentals teaching baseball to underprivileged youth this past summer. Last month, Martie Cordaro and the Storm Chasers were named the “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Over $360,000 Given Back to NEPA, 66% Jump from Award-Winning 2013

Coming together for the greater good. All baseball teams try to accomplish it on the field. In the case of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) – the off-the-field efforts in that same vein added up to a whole lot of good to date in 2014.

– Another successful HOPE Week in concert with the rest of the New York Yankees organization.

– An increase in charitable giving from $217,000 to over $360,000 including cash and in-kind gifts.

– Over 550 hours volunteered in the community by full-time staff, players and coaches.

– Over 200 mascot appearances.

– Support of our military with the Metlife Military Appreciation program, Honor Guard program, veterans parade appearances in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and a players/field staff visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

– The RailRiders and Kost Tire and Auto raised $14,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA with the Hurl the Pearl promotion (up $2,000 from 2013).

-The addition of several other new initiatives including: Breast Cancer Awareness Night which raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Girl Scouts of NEPA; an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs; and special school day themes for including an anti-bullying day and an anti-drug and alcohol day.

The RailRiders franchise prides itself on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 – the Fit Track program. Fit Track’s inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. It encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. The Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child received a free RailRiders jump rope to aid in their physical activity. Each child that completed the program received a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities.

The Community Organization of the Game program, presented by DePietro’s Pharmacy, came back for its second season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That COG had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

A standard from previous years, the Adopt-A-Field program, renovated four local fields (one high school field; one softball field; two youth fields). Front office staff and grounds crew members spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s website with fan votes deciding the lucky winners.

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

HOPE Week 2014 in SWB included partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome children in for an unforgettable day; shaved heads and over $13,000 raised for childhood cancer research; a visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center; and laser tag with the NEPA Boys and Girls Club.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation program was brought back to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued by Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) remains forever empty and unsold.

“2014 was a great year,” said community relations manager Rachel Mark. “Seeing the impact our community outreach makes in NEPA is priceless. We are excited to continue these efforts and watch them grow in 2015.”

Invested in the community, the RailRiders franchise has more than 30 full-time employees. Combined with concessionaire Legends, PNC Field boasts over 500 seasonal employees. The franchise prides itself on customer service and affordability as the bar-setting destination for affordable, family entertainment destination in NEPA.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.